Reconnect at a TCAT

The Reconnect Grant can help you pay towards a diploma or certificate at one of Tennessee Colleges of Applied Technology (TCATs).

TCATs are located throughout the state of Tennessee, and provide a wide range of technical and occupational training programs, providing quality technical education to connect students with high quality careers.

Who is eligible?

Tennessee resident, U.S. Citizen

Have a FAFSA dependency status of independent

Enroll full time at a Tennessee College of Applied Technology

Be in pursuit of a certificate or diploma

Maintain continuous enrollment and satisfactory academic progress

How do I apply?

Students who wish to use the Reconnect Grant to attend a TCAT must submit the FAFSA by July 1 for summer term, November 1 for fall term, and March 1 for spring trimesters. Students must reapply each year in order to remain eligible.

You do not fill out a separate application for the Reconnect Grant if you want to attend a TCAT. Rather, you will need to simply apply to the TCAT you want to attend. The process for applying for the grant is handled by the TCAT you want to attend. For this, and any other aid you need, you will need to fill out a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This ensures that you will receive all the federal aid you will qualify for. The Reconnect Grant is a last dollar scholarship, so it funds the remaining tuition after the federal government, and any other eligible state programs chip in. The result for qualifying students is the same: Tuition-free education at TCAT*.

*Students are still financially responsible for books and supplies.

NOTE: If you want to use the Reconnect Grant to pursue a two-year associate degree by attending a community college or eligible four-year institution, the application process is different. Please visit “Reconnect for an Associate Degree” for more information.

If you want to use the Reconnect Grant to attend a TCAT institution in Tennessee: